I am firmly opposed to…

I am firmly opposed to Ontario Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024) for several important reasons. The idea of removing bike lanes to reduce traffic congestion is fundamentally flawed and lacks supporting evidence. In reality, eliminating bike lanes will not ease traffic; studies and historical data indicate the opposite. This action is likely to result in more accidents and fatalities, ultimately increasing costs for the city in terms of healthcare, emergency services, and legal expenses.

Toronto’s own historical data underscores this issue. When bike lanes were removed from Jarvis Street in 2011, the city’s data showed that travel times increased and traffic slowed, contradicting the goal of reducing congestion. Removing bike lanes endangers cyclists and discourages sustainable transportation options, leading to greater car dependency and worsening gridlock.

Rather than implementing policies that jeopardize lives and degrade urban infrastructure, the province should invest in areas that directly benefit residents, such as healthcare and education. This strategy would better serve the long-term interests of Ontarians than dismantling bike lanes to appease drivers and suburban commuters.

In conclusion, Bill 212 represents a regression for Toronto and the province. Sustainable urban planning should prioritize multimodal transportation solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. The government’s focus should be on creating a livable, accessible city for everyone, not just accommodating those who drive into the city for work.